Key Insights
Quick Answer:
- Best X for Y: Best Casino Game for Skill: Video poker
- Best time to do X: Best Time to Play: When you can focus and follow strategy
- Biggest mistake: Ignoring the paytable
- Pro tip: Small strategy errors add up fast over time
What Is Video Poker?
Video poker is a single-player casino game based on five-card poker. You’re dealt a hand, choose which cards to keep, and draw replacements. The final hand determines your payout based on a fixed paytable.
Unlike slots:
- outcomes aren’t just spin-based
- decisions affect results
- RTP depends on how you play
This combination is what makes video poker unique.
How Video Poker Is Different From Slots
Slots:
- rely entirely on RNG outcomes
- have no decision-making
- hide math behind visuals
Video poker:
- shows exact payouts
- rewards correct decisions
- allows optimal play
This difference explains why video poker often offers higher RTP than most slot games.
The Core Mechanics of Video Poker
Every video poker game follows the same basic flow:
- You place a bet
- Five cards are dealt
- You choose which cards to hold
- New cards replace the rest
- The final hand pays according to the paytable
The rules stay consistent, but payout structures and strategy change by variant.
Why Paytables Matter More Than Anything Else
Two machines with the same name can have very different returns.
Paytables determine:
- how much each hand pays
- overall RTP
- whether a game is “full pay” or “short pay”
A small reduction in payouts can drop RTP by several percentage points. Over time, that difference is massive.
Understanding “Full Pay” vs “Short Pay”
A full pay machine offers the highest standard payouts for a variant.
A short pay machine reduces payouts on key hands like full houses or flushes.
The game still looks the same, but:
- expected return is lower
- mistakes cost more
- long-term losses increase
Knowing how to spot these differences is critical.
RTP in Video Poker (And Why It’s Higher)
Return-to-Player in video poker is based on:
- the paytable
- how often hands appear
- how well you follow optimal strategy
With correct play, some variants return 99% or more. That’s rare in casino games, but it only applies if strategy is followed closely.
Strategy Is Not Optional in Video Poker
Video poker is not a “play how you feel” game.
Optimal strategy tells you:
- which cards to hold
- which hands to break
- how to minimize losses
Even small deviations from optimal play can lower RTP significantly over time.
Why Max Coins Often Matter
Many machines pay a bonus for a royal flush only when betting max coins.
If you don’t:
- you still risk the same variance
- but you lose the top payout value
This is one of the most misunderstood mechanics in video poker.
Popular Video Poker Variants
Some of the most common variants include:
- Jacks or Better
- Deuces Wild
- Bonus Poker
- Double Bonus Poker
- Joker Poker
Each variant changes:
- hand rankings
- volatility
- optimal strategy
You can’t use one strategy across all games.
Volatility in Video Poker
Volatility refers to how swingy results are.
Lower volatility games:
- pay smaller wins more often
- feel steadier
Higher volatility games:
- rely more on big hands
- have longer dry spells
Understanding volatility helps with bankroll management and expectations.
Bankroll Discipline Still Matters
Even with skill involved:
- variance exists
- losing streaks happen
- short sessions can mislead
Video poker rewards patience, not chasing.
Common Myths About Video Poker
Some common misconceptions:
- “The machine is due”
- “Hot machines pay better”
- “Timing affects results”
None of these are true. Each hand is independent.
Why Video Poker Appeals to Analytical Players
Video poker attracts players who enjoy:
- math and probabilities
- structured decisions
- measurable improvement
It’s closer to a puzzle than a spin-and-hope game.
Online vs Casino Video Poker
Online video poker:
- offers clearer paytables
- allows faster play
- is easier to compare RTP
Casino video poker:
- may offer comps
- varies more by location
- sometimes hides paytable quality
Both have tradeoffs.
Playing for Entertainment vs Optimization
You can play video poker:
- casually for fun
- seriously for return
- somewhere in between
The key is knowing which approach you’re taking before you start.
FAQs About Video Poker
Is Video Poker Better Than Slots?
In terms of RTP and control, yes—if you play correctly.
Can You Win Long-Term at Video Poker?
You can reduce losses significantly, but the house edge still exists.
Do Strategy Cards Actually Help?
Yes. They’re legal and encouraged.
Is Video Poker Pure Skill?
No. It’s skill plus variance.
Should Beginners Play Video Poker?
Yes, if they’re willing to learn the basics.
Where To Go Next
Now that you understand the foundation, the next step is learning exactly how video poker machines work behind the scenes, including rules and mechanics.
Next Article: How Video Poker Works: Rules, Gameplay & Machine Mechanics (article #1)
Next Steps
If you want fundamentals, read: How Video Poker Works: Rules, Gameplay & Machine Mechanics (article #1)
If you want comparisons, read: The Difference Between Video Poker and Slot Machines (article #2)
Want to play smarter from day one? Use: The Ultimate Pre-Session Checklist for Video Poker Success (article #60)
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